TRADITIONAL West African music is coming to County Durham next month.

Jali Sherrifo Konteh , one of Gambia's top performers of the 21-string kora, is to tour five County Durham libraries as part of the Live in the Libraries series.

The kora is unique to the Manding people of West Africa and has been described as Africa's greatest musical instrument, dating from the 18th Century.

Alan Hood, Durham County Council's music development officer, said: "Sherrifo is a hugely talented and charismatic performer on the self-made harp-lute, although he is still relatively unknown outside the Gambia."

Sherrifo's tour begins at Barnard Castle library on October 17, followed by Newton Hall on October 18, Murton on October 19, Crook on October 20 and finishing in Lanchester library on October 21.

All concerts start at 7.30pm and tickets are £4.50 with £3 for concessions.